Under her leadership, the 31 recruits of class #5-10 were guided from the initial march onto the academy grounds to the swearing-in ceremony that marks successful completion of the training.

"Being a drill instructor is challenging because you have to be knowledgeable, strict and able to teach through discipline while also mentoring the recruits," said Officer Lopez who started her career with Los Angeles Airport Police August 2006.

She added, "I am honored to have been selected for this great responsibility and feel proud and grateful to represent Los Angeles Airport Police."

Lopez started on patrol and quickly promoted to field training officer where she successfully trained and mentored many newly hired officers. Following this assignment, she underwent rigorous hours of class study and intense physical training in order to take on her current position as a drill instructor at the LAPD Academy's Recruitment and Training Unit.

"I had great confidence in Officer Lopez' ability and knew she would be a perfect role model to represent the high standards of the Los Angeles Airport Police,"
said Los Angeles Airport Police Assistant Chief Brian Walker. Fellow officers have lauded Officer Lopez for her command presence and commitment to her profession.

Under an agreement between Los Angeles Airport Police and LAPD, police recruits for both organizations undergo the same training at the academy in order to gain their California Police Officer Standard Training (POST) certificate.

Los Angeles Airport Police is the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County, with more than 1,200 law enforcement, security and staff personnel. Los Angeles Airport Police is a division of Los Angeles World Airports, the City department that owns and operates three airports in Southern California: LAX, LA/Ontario International (ONT), and Van Nuys (general aviation).